Common name: Snake-eel
General information
The Snake Eel, specifically the Banded Snake Eel (Ophichthus ophis), is a fascinating species that resembles terrestrial snakes in appearance. This eel is known for its elongated body, which is marked with dark bands, giving it a distinctive banded pattern. They are not commonly kept in home aquariums due to their specialized care requirements and potential size.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 40 cm (1′4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers sandy substrate for burrowing
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys live or frozen shrimp, fish
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept singly
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be aggressive to small fish
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilySnake EelsOphichthidae
- GenusSnake EelsOphichthus
- SpeciesSnake-eelOphichthus ophis (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Synonyms? havanensis Bloch & Schneider, 1801Anguilla serpens Shaw, 1803Antobrantia ribeiroi Pinto, 1970Herpetoichthys callisoma Abbott, 1860Herpetoichthys sulcatus Kaup, 1856Muraena hauannensis Bloch & Schneider, 1801Muraena ophis Linnaeus, 1758Ophichthys ophis (Linnaeus, 1758)Ophisurus guttatus Cuvier, 1816Ophisurus havanensis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)Uranichthys brachycephalus Poey, 1867Uranichthys havanensis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Care
Snake Eels require a large aquarium with a deep sand bed to mimic their natural habitat, where they burrow for protection. They are escape artists, so a tightly fitting lid is essential. These eels are carnivorous and prefer a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and shrimp. They can be shy and reclusive, making them more suitable for experienced aquarists.
Reproduction
In the wild, Snake Eels are known to lay eggs in burrows. However, breeding in captivity is rare and not well-documented. Hobbyists should focus on providing optimal care rather than attempting to breed these eels.
Habitat
Banded Snake Eels are found in tropical and subtropical waters, often in sandy or muddy substrates near coral reefs. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 90 meters deep. Their geographical distribution spans the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and the easternmost islands of the Pacific.